Canberrans urged to monitor fire conditions

Michael Inman

Canberrans considering a weekend trip to the coast have been urged to check fire conditions before setting out.

Fires crews have battled two blazes along the Kings Highway since Tuesday, with both fires under control on Friday morning.

But Rural Fire Service Lake George Zone district manager Tim Carroll said the fire danger rating would increase to high on Friday afternoon as forecast hot, dry conditions and winds gusts up to 50kmh hit the region.

Mr Carroll said the Kings Highway was currently open with traffic controls in place, including a speed limit reduced to 80kmh.

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“We will continue to monitor conditions along the Kings Highway and, in consultation with police, will close the highway if required,” Mr Carroll said

“There’s no immediate danger but we do ask people to remain alert, listen to local radio and check the RFS website before they do make travel arrangements.

“We’re experiencing high fire danger ratings across the state so we are asking people, whether staying at home on the weekend or travelling, to stay alert and be aware of what’s happening around them.”

Mr Carroll said fire crews had contained two blazes along the Kings Highway since Tuesday.

A fire fire broke out at Nerriga Roasd, near Braidwood, about 11am on Friday and burnt out less than one hectare before it was brought under control by five RFS crews and a helicopter.

RFS crews managed to contain the Sand Hills fire, burning east of Bungendore, on Thursday night.

The fire started on Tuesday, burning out more than 1300 hectares near the Kings Highway.

Mr Carroll said crews were working to deepen containment lines before the fire danger rating hit high later on Friday.